Stargazing in a dark-sky reserve

An evening with an astronomer beneath one of the darkest skies on earth.

Duration: Evening
When to go: Best Apr–Sep
Where: Aoraki & the Mackenzie
In your journey: Included

The experience

The Aoraki Mackenzie reserve protects skies of extraordinary clarity. With a private astronomer and telescope, the Milky Way, Magellanic Clouds and southern constellations come into focus.

Specialist's note

“Ask us to align your nights in the basin with the new moon. Even a few days either side makes a remarkable difference.”

New Zealand specialist, Reserveit

Included in listed journeys

Who it suits

Couples, families with older children and the curious of any age

Practical notes

Warm clothing provided
Cloud cover can postpone the session

Weather dependent. We keep a flexible day nearby wherever the journey allows.

Enquire about this experience

Arranged privately, within a journey designed for you.

How it unfolds

The shape of the day

Timings are a guide. Your specialist confirms them with the operator once your dates are set.

01
Dusk
Dinner first
An early dinner at your lodge while the sky darkens over the basin.
02
After dark
Out to a private site
A short transfer away from any light, with warm layers and hot drinks ready.
03
Night
The southern sky
An astronomer guides you through the Milky Way, the Magellanic Clouds and the planets through a large telescope.
04
Late
Back to the lodge
Home to the lodge, usually before midnight, with the sky still overhead.